Lift truck



May 5, 1931. A. M. BARRETT LIFT TRUCK Filed July 20, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheetl May 5,1931. A. M. BARRETT LIFT TRUCK 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed yJuly 20,1928 IrLilrLIlllrllLl h um mwN QN mwN @QQ um @N N mf N s @im May 5,1931. A. M .BARRETT 1,803,688

LIFT TRUCK Filed July 20, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 gj, m MWL/am l. 1 @M@www fn" y (ifm May5, v1931. A. M. BARRETT LIFT TRUCK Filed July *20.1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I :Evi

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Patented May 5, 1931` ARTHUR M.

PANY, CF CHCAGO, ELLINOS,

tanins rarest ori-ice BARRETT, OF WINNETKA, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORVTOIBARRETT-CRAVENS GDM- i CGRPORLTGN. OF ILLINQIS LIFT 'inUcK Appncatioimea :any ao,

This invention relates to lift trucks comprising a main frame supportedon wheels and arranged to be steered by means of a steering handle whichalso serves as alifting lever to raise a lifting frame mounted on themain frame so as to be capable of being raised or lowered with respectthereto. As is wellknown in the art, when the lifting frame is in itslowered position the truck isl adapted to be backed under a platform onwhich the load is placed, and then by operating the steering handle lthelifting frame is raised to lift the platform with its load so that itcan be transported and deposited in some other place. The invention hasmore particularly to do with suoli lift trucks adapted for transportingcomparatively heavy loads, in' which the lifting frame is raised by a4plurality of strokes of the lifting handle, commonly from those in whichthe platform is raised tothe limit of its upward movement by a singlecontinuous stroke of the handle. f

lt has for its objects to provide a multiple lift truck in which thelifting frame may be raised by a substantially uniform application ofpower throughout the range of movement of the lifting handle; to provideimproved operating connections between the lifting handle and thelifting frame for ap-V plying lifting force to the latter; to provideimproved means for holding the lifting frame against descent at allstages of its upward movement, and for controlling its downwardmovement; to provide improved means for starting the downward movementof the lift- Y ing frame, and to improve the construction and operationof trucks of this description in various other respects whichwillfbeparticularly pointed out in the course of the description of theembodiment' of my invention illustrated in the drawings.

fn the accompanying drawings I have illustrated a lift truck in which.my improvements are embodied inthe form that l consider preferable, andIv shall now describe specifically the truck illustrated therein, but itis to be understood that the generic features of my invention may beembodied in various other forms, as will be manifest to 192s. serial No.294,1?9.

those skilled in the art, and, therefore, the

claims hereinafter made are not intended to p handle in horizontalsection;

Fig. is a substantially central longitudinal.v vertical section showingthe lifting frame in its lowermost position, the rear portion of thetruck being omitted; 'termed multiple lift trucks, as distinguished Fig.4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 with the lifting frame partly raised, andthe lifting devices in the position they occupy at the completion of afull downward strolre of the lifting handle; i Y

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail illustrating part of the lifting mechanism,being` a vertical cross-section on line 5 5 ofFig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail illustrating part of the lifting mechanism,being va vertical cross section on line 6-6 of Fig. 3;?

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detailA illustrating part of the liftingmechanism, being a substantially horizontal section on line 7 7 of Fig.3; y

Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail of part of the holding mechanism, being avertical crosssection on line 8-8 of Fig. 2; i

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail of part of the holding mechanism, being ahorizontal section on line 9-9 ofFig. 8;

Fig. l() is an enlarged detail of part of the holdin@ mechanism, being aVertical crosssection on lines lO-lO of Figs. 2 and9, and

Figure l1 is a detail in elevation showing kthe pawl releasing mechanismand corresponding to a view taken substantially along the line 11-11 ofFigure 2.

inthe present instance I have shown my improvements embodied in a lifttruck `in which the wheel supported main frame 13 comprises two parallelside bars 14e, 15, which are firmly held at their forward ends in fixedrelation to each other` by securing them to the opposite ends of atransverse cross-head 1G, as best shown in Fig. 2, the end portions 1'?,18 of which extend downward to the points of their connection with saidside bars. ln the illustrated construction these parts are connectedtogether by rivets 19, best shown in Fig. 1. The cross-head 16 isprovided with a central downwardly projecting tubular boss 20 whichforms a bearing for a vertically disposed king bolt 21 tnat is connectedwith the steering wheel or wheels. ln the present instance two steeringwheels 22 are provided, mounted upon the opposite end portions of atransverse front axle 23 that extends through a hole in trie lowerportion of the king bolt 21 and through a horizontally disposed spacingsleeve 211 mounted on said axle between the wheels. This leeve providedwith a hole that is alined with the bore of the boss 20, and the lowerend of the king bolt 21 fits in said opening, thereby holding the sleeve24 in place. As shown in Fig. 3, a set screw 25, screwed in the lowerend of the king bolt 21 so that it binds against the axle 23, holds theaxle against endwise movement. Between the lower end of the boss 2O andthe upper surface of the sleeve 24C I preferably provide ananti-friction bearing to reduce friction between these two members andmake steering easier. ln the illustrated construction this anti-frictionbearing comprises an inner annular raceway 2G supported by the sleeve24, an outer annular raceway 27 fitted in a pocket in the lower end ofthe boss 20, and tapered rollers 28 interposed between said raceways, tosustain the downward thrust of the loa-d.

These bearings may if desired be made adliustable in any suitable way.Since the mounting of roller bearings of this kind so that they may beadjusted is not new, it is deemed unnecessary to illustrate means forthat purpose.

1t will be apparent from the foregoing description that the frontportion of the main frame, with the load imposed thereon, is movablysustained by the front wheels through the boss 20, the sleeve 211 andthe axle 23, and that the wheels may be turned to steer the truck byrotating the king bolt 21 about a vertical axis. For steering purposesthe kinor bolt 21 is provided with a steering head 29 mounted thereonabove and bearing upon the upper surface of 'the cross-head 16, saidsteering head being non-rotatably secured to the king bolt in anysuitable way as by a pin 30, as shown in Figs. 3 and t. A steeringhandle 31, which also serves as a lifting lever, is pivotally connectedat its lower end by a transverse bolt 32 with upwardly and .forwardlyprojecting ears 33 carried by the steering head, so that said steeringhandle may swing up and down, and may also be used to rotate thesteering head. In the illustrated construction the steering handle 31comprises two bars 34, best shown in Fig. 2, spaced apart at their lowerends and arranged to lie adjacent to the outer faces of the ears 33,with which, as above stated, they are pivotally connected by the bolt orpin rl`he outer ends of the bars 3a are connected together in anysuitable way, and are pro- 7ided with the usual cross-bar 3121 by whichthe operator swings said handle to raise the lead and to steer thetruck.

Also pivoted upon the bolt 32 and located between the ears is a shacklemember in the form of a horn 35 that extends rearwardly and upwardlyfrom the pivot 3. back of the handle 31, its upper end beingT adapted toswing toward and from the handle and to be connected therewith by alatch 3G carried by 'the handle, as best shown in Figs. l, 3 and el.This latch is pivoted on the handle between the side bars by means of apivot 37 so that it rocks about a horizontal axis. At its rear end it isprovided with a hook 33 adapted to engage a hook 39 at the upper end ofthe horn 35, and at its forward end it is provided with an arm 40 thate3:- tends aeross one or both of the bars 3-1 of the steering handle andserves to limit the downwar l movement ot the rear end of the latch.ythe latch is also provided with a counterbalance weight #l1 that isadapted to hold it either in a downwardly and rearwardly iii-- clinedposition, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, or in an upwardly and rearwardlyincli ied position at approximately ninety degrees from the positionshown in Fig. 4. il depending arm 41", also carried by the latch 36, isadapted to strike the horn 35 when the steering handle is movedrearwardly, to posil tively move the hook 33 into position to engage thehook 39. The horn is provided near its lower end, and at a point back ofthe pivot 32, with a transverse lug or stop l2 that is adapted to engagethe upp r surface of the steering head 29 when the horn is in anapproximately vertical position, to keep the horn from swinging backfurther while permitting it to swing forward when actuated by thesteering handle during the operation of lifting the load.

It will be apparent that by swinging the steering handle rearwardly thelatch 3G will automatically engage over the upper end of the horn 35,thereby operatively connecting the steering handle with said horn. Itthen the steering handle be swung forward and downward, the horn 35 willswing with it, both parts turning about the pivot 32. The horn 35 willalso swing laterally about the vert-ical axis of the steering head whenthe handle is operated to steer the truck. it serves to transmit powerapplied to the steering handle to the lifting mechanism by which thelifting frame is raised, as will presently be described. y

The rear ends of the side bars 14, 15 of the mainframe are ypreferablysupporte/t` upon and secured to a non-rotating rear axle 43, as bestshown in Figs. 1 and 2, whichaxle entends through holes in, and ispinned to the rear end portionsof, said side bars, and carries the rearWheels 44 of the, truck. l/Vhere a non-rotating rear axle is used 'therear Wheels preferably are not mounted directly upon the aille, but arecarried by suitable anti-friction devices such as those shown anddescribed in my pending application, Serial No. 207 ,451, filed July 21,192'?. They may, however, be supported in any other suitf able way.

The rear end portions of the side bars 14, 15 are rmly secured togetherand spaced apart by a transverse angle bar 45, best shown in Figs. 1 and2, located between said side bars and having its end portions secured toangle brackets 46, 47, respectively fastened to the side bars 14, 15 inany suitn able Way, as by rivets 48, 49, as shown in Fig. 2. Thistransverse bar also serves to supportr certain other parts of themechanism, as will. be hereinafter explained.

The lifting frame is rectangular in form and is b-est made of a bar bentto U-shape toV provide parallel side members 50, 51 that overlie theside bars 14, 15, respectively, and a transverse rear end member 52, asbest shown in Fig. 2. The side members 50, 51 are connected togethernear their front ends by a transverse U-shaped cross-head 5S, preferablyin the form Vof a casting, which is provided with downturned ends 54, 55that fit against the inner faces of the side members 50, 51, asbestshown in Fig. 5, and are firmly secured thereto in any suitable way,

by bolts or rivets. Vrlhe cross-head 53 projects upwardly beyond theside members 50, 51, as shown in Fig. 1, and serves to limit the extentto which the truck may be shovedV under a load carrying platform. Vltalso functions as an abutment to sustain the hrting thrust and transmitit to the side bars of the `frame during the-'lifting operation,

will be described later. The rear end portions ofthe side members 50,51,are connected and braced by a transverse anglebar 56, as shown in Fig.2, which bar serves also as a bearing member for the lifting connectionsat the rear end ofthe truck.

The lifting frame is supported on the main frame for vertical, or Vupand down, movement with respect thereto by means of swinging links atthe front and rear end portions of said frames. The front links,indicated off the reference numerals 57, 58, are pivotally connectedat'their lower ends to thel front portions of the side bars 14,15 bybolts 59, 60, as shown in -Figsf1 and 2, the

with the front ends of the side members 50, 51 of the lifting frame bybolts 61, 62, respec-` tively. rlChe links that support the rear portionof the lifting frame on the main frame are indicated by the numerals 63,64, the lower ends of which links are pivotally supported by the rearaxle 43. l

As also shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the upper ends of the links 68, 64 arejournaled on studs at the opposite ends of a cylindrical bearing member65V that is adapted to bear in the inner Vangle of the angle bar 56 thatis secured to the rear portion of the lifting frame, as indicated byVdotted lines in Fig. 1, said bearing member being also pivotallysupported upon the rear axle 48 between the roar wheels 44 by arms 66,67, as best shown in Fig. 2. Preferably, the parts 65, 66, 67 vare inthe form of av unitary casting. It will be noted that by thisconstruction the lifting frame is supported on the rear axle by twosupporting members at each side of the truck, the supporting members ofeach pair being located at opposite sides of the corresponding wheel 44,so that the rear portion of the lifting frame is very stably supported.

The several links supporting the lifting frame are arranged to occupyanupwardly and rearwardly inclined position when the lifting frame is inits downV or load receiving position, so that by drawing the lifting?,Iframe forward with reference to theinain `frame said links will swingina clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1 to raise the lifting frameand lift the load for transport.

The lifting mechanism for raising the lifting frame, as has beenremarked, is operated by the steering handle 31, which constitutes alsoa lifting lever, and it comprises means for moving the lifting frameendwise to accomplish its vertical movement through the action of theswinging links that support it on the main frame. .ltv should beexplained here that the term vertical movement7 is here used to defineup and down movement of the Vlifting frame in a vertical plane whethersuch movement be accompanied by endwise movement of the lifting frame ornot.' ln the .construction described the lifting frame and 'operativelyconnected with the steering handle so that it may be actuated thereby,in connection withv ratchet mechanism also mounted onthe main frame andconnected by one or more pitmenrwith the lifting frame through thecross-head 53 so that upward and ss" Y forward end thrust is applied tothe lifting frame by the oper tion of said lever, and the lifting framethereby is swung upward and forward on the links 57, 58 and 63, 6.

Tl e arrangement and organization of this lifting mechanism as a wholeis best shown in Figs. 1 to 7. lt comprises a transverse shaft 68 whichis supported by the side bars 111, 15 of the main frame, a shortdistance back of the cross-head 59, by supporting blocks 69, 70 havingdepending arms 71, 72 that lit against the inner faces of the side bars11i, 15 of the main frame and are rmly secured thereto, as by rivets 73,as best shown in 1Eig. 6. As there shown, the arms 7l, 72 are offsetslightly so that ie outer ends of the blocks 69, 70 do not contact withthe inner faces the side ba 50, of the lifting frame. rlhe shaft 68 neednot rotate, and, therefore, it may be mounted in the supporting` blocks69, 70 in any suitable Mounted on the shaft 68 between the inn ur onusof the blocks 69, 70 is a sleeve 7l prov al t 1 opposite ends withcranks 75, 76 and wrist pins 77, 78, respectively, and separatelyearried by said sleeve between said cranks is a toothed sector 79, theteeth of which are located at the forward side of s d sleeve. The sleeve7 Ll also is provided with rearwardly extending ears 81, 82 for theattachn'ient thereto of the means for holding the lifting frame in itselevated position, as will be hereinafter described. Between the ears8l, 82 and thc adjacent cranks 75, 76 are bearings` surfaces 83, 84 toreceive the rear ends of a pair of parallel lifting levers 85, 86 whichare fulcrumerL on said sleeve and extend forward and downward therefromat opposite sides of the ratchet sector 79, as best shown in Fig. 7.

ln the construction illustrated these levers are pivotally secured uponthe sleeve 74 by clips 87. 88, respectively, that extend around theunder sides of the sleeves 74 and are lli ` bolted to the levers 85, 86at opposite sides of said sleeve by bolts 89, 90, best shown in Figs. 1and 2. Thus the levers 85, 86 are pivotally mounted upon the sleeve 74eto swing vertically coaxially with said sleeve. lNhile l prefer to usetwo of the lifting levers 85, 86. as described, it is apparent that asingle lever could be used if desired, but the construction shown ismore efficient as it provides a better support for the pawl hereinafterdescribed by which the sleeve 74 is rocked to lift the lifting frame, aswill be presently described.

The forward ends of the levers 85, 86 are connected together by across-pin 91, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 7, which serves also as apart of the connections between said levers and the steering handle.Such connections comprise a three-armed or bell-crank lever 92 having aforwar ly disposed arm 98 that is fulcrumed at 94 between rearwardlyprojecting ears 95 carried by the steering head 29; an upwardlyextending arm 95 that is connected by a link 96 with the horn 35, and arearwardly extending` arm 97 that is connected by a pivot 98 with theupper end of an extensible rod 99, the lower end of which is connectedwith thc forward arms of the levers 85, 86 by the pin 91, as best shownin Fig. 1. The link 96 has an eye 100 at its forward end through whichis inserted the horn 85, and at its rearen d is provided with an eye 101which receives a pivot pin 102 mounted in the upper arm 95 of the lever92.

The latter lever is preferably bifurcated as shown in Fig. 2, and thepin 102 extends through both members thereof, the rearwari end of thelink 96 lying between the two members of said lever. Preferably thelever 92 is provided with registering holes 103 adjacent to the holesthat receive the pin 102, but lying` nearer the fulcrum point of saidlever, so that the connection between the rear end of the lever 96 andthe lever 94 may be shifted toward or from said fulcrum point to varythe leverage. The extensible link 99 comprises upper and lowerscrew-threaded members 104, 105 connected by a right and left hand screw106, so that by means of said screw the length of the link may be adjusted. The lower member 105 fits between the two levers 85, 86, as bestshown in Fig. 5.

1t is obvious that by means of the connections just described thelifting levers 85, 86,

which, as has been suggested may be considered as a single lever, may beswung ver tically about its fulcrum 68 by swinging the steering handle31 up and down while the latch 36 is in engagement with the hook 35.Assuming the parts to be in the position shown in 1, by swinging thesteering handle 81 forward and downward the latch 36 will be drawnforward, thereby rocking the bell-crank lever 92 in a clockwisedirection about its fulcrum 94. This through the link 99 will pull theforward ends of the levers 85, 86 upward, swinging' them about the shaft68 as a fulcrum. rlhis movement of the levers 85, 86 is made effectiveto rock the ratchet member or notched sector 79 in a counterclockwisedirection about the shaft 68 by means of a pawl 107, best shown in Figs.3 'and l,

which pawl is pivoted between the levers 85, 86 upon a pivot pin 108 insuch position that its free end is adapted to engage the teeth 80 of theratchet member 79.

A spring 109 placed between the pawl 107 and a liXed stop 110 carried bythe levers 85, 86 serves to hold the pawl 107 yieldingly in engagementwith such teeth. Thus, when the levers 85, 86 swing upward the pawl 107,through its engagement with the ratchet member 79, will rock saidratchet member upwardly about the shaft 68 as an axis. When the steeringhandle is again moved upward the pawl will ride downwardly over theteethof the ratchet member to a greater Y or less extent, depending on thelength of the `upward stroke of the steering handle.

.'1`lie1efore, the ratchet member may be swung through a greater or lessarc for each downward stroke of theV steering handle, depending on thelength of such stroke,

Rocking the ratchet member 7 9 in the manner described is made effectiveto lift the lifting frame by means of pitmen 111, 112 that are journaledat their lower ends upon the wrist 77, 78, respectively, and entendupward and forward Vto the cross-head y53 with which they are connectedby pivot pins 113, 114, respectively, asbest shown in Fig. 5, these pinsbeing mounted in pairs of cars 115, 116, at opposite sides of saidcross-head as shown in said figure. Swinging of the ratchet member 79 ina countercloclwise direction as viewed in Figs. 3 and 4 will swing thecranks 75, 7G in the same direction, which, through the pitm-en111,112,' will thrust upward and forward on the cross-head 53, therebycausing the lifting frame to 1ise on the links 57, 58 and 63, 64 whichsupport it on the main frame.

i4s the lifting frame rises it must, of course, be held up during thereturn or upward strolre of the steering handle, and for this. purposeholding means is provided. This holding means comprises a holding rod117, the forward portion of which is sorewthreaded as Vshown at 118 in1*`igs.3 and 4. Said. rod extends longitudinally of the central portionof the main frame, and its forward portion lieswithin a cylinder 119which is pivotally connected at its forward end by a pivot 120 with theears 81, 82 that project rearwardly from the sleeve 74, as previouslydescribed, so that as the sleeve 7 4 rocks about the shaft G8 as an aXisthe cylinder 119 is moved longitudinally of the truck frame in onedirection or the other. Mounted in a fixed position in the cylinder 119,about midway of its length, is a. screw-threaded sleeve or nut'121 whichis engaged by the Vscrew-threaded portion of the holding rod 117. Thepitch of'these screw threads is such that reciprocation of thev cylinder119-V with respect to the holding rod 117 .causes rotation of said rodin onedirection or the other. A piston 122 .is carried by the rod 117 atits forward end andworks in the forward portionV of the cylinder 119, sothat said cylinder and piston function as a dashpot to checl the descentof the lifting frame, as will be hereinafter furtherrexplained. .Y

rlfhe holding .rod4 117` passes Ythrough a stuffing box 123 at the rearend of the cylinder 119, and the rear end of said rod is rotatablyconnect-ed withthe main frame in such` manner as to hold said rodagainst endwise movement, sovthat said rod may becaused to rotate hvreciproca-tion of the cylinder 119. To enable the holding rod 117 tofunction as holding means to prevent descent of the lifting frame it isnecessarythat it be normally held against rotation by rearward movementof the cylinder 119, while it remains free to rotate in the oppositedirection by forward movenient of said cylinder. To this end a ratchetwheel is mounted upon the rear end of the rod 117 and is keyed thereto,preferably by means of a pin 125 that passes through the hub 126 of.said ratchet .wheel and through the rod 117. having a recess 231toreceive it. At the bottoniv of such recess is an end thrust ball bearingthat receives the end thrust of the rod 117. This arrangement is bestshown in Figs. 4 and 9. ball 129 lies between a bearing block 130interposed between it and the rearendof the rod 117, and a bearing block131 interposed between it and a transverse pin 132 by which the bloeitis secured between standards 133, 134 that rise from the angle bar 45. A

bearing plate 135 extends across the front face ofthe bearing block 127and the front face of the ratchet wheel 124, and is secured to thebloclr 127 by bolts 136, 1,37.

A. series of anti-friction balls 138 are provided betweenV the rear faceof the bearing plate 135 and the front face of the ratchet wheel 124,said balls traveling` in raceways provided to receive them, as shown inF ig. 9. 'Fliese balls support the ratchet wheel during roi-ward pull onthe holding rod 117 incident to the lifting operation, and the ball 129taires the rearward end thrust on the holding rod 117 due to the loadsustained by the lifting frame. llhe rod 132 provides a pivotal supportfor the bloclt 127 which permits `such `block to swingup and down tosuch extent as may be necessary in the operation of the liftingmechanism. y y i llonorm ally hold the ratchet wheel 124 and rod 117againstrotation in one direction while permittingV them to rotate in theopposite direction pawls 139, 140 are provided at opposite .sides of theratchet wheel, as best Vshown in Figs. 8 and 9. Said pawls are mountedonpins 141, 142, respectively, supported by the block 127 and plate 135 atopposite sides of the ratchet wheel, as shown in said figures. lhesepawls are provided respectively with downwardly .extending arms 143, 144that are engaged by a transverse rod 145 on which are mounted springs146,147 that respectively bear against said arms in the proper directionto move the pawls 139, 140 into engagement with the teeth of theratchetwheel 124. The outer end of the spring 146 bears against a nut148 .screwed on'the rod 145, and the corresponding end of the spring 147bears against a collar 149 held in Vplace on the rod 145 by a pin 150,as shown in Fig. 8.

Nuts 151, 152 screwed on the rod 145 a opposite sides of the arms 143,144 from the r he hub is journaled in a block 127 l ris shown in thelatter ligure, the

pawls 139, under the action of said springs, and also provide for movingsaid pawls simultaneously out of engagement with the ratchet wheel byendwise movement of the rod toward the right as viewed in Fig. 3. Formoving the rod 145 endwise in either' direction to control the positionof said pawl it is provided with a projecting end 153 that passesthrough an eye 154 in an arm 155 that projects rearwardly from avertical shaft 156 mounted in a sleeve bearing 157 carried by a plate153 that is secured to the bearing plate 135 by the bolt 137 and anotherbolt 159, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Nuts 160, 161 screwed on the end153 of the rod 145 at opposite sides of the arm 155, as shown in Figs. 8and 9, cause the rod 145 to move endwise when the arm is swung in onedirection or the other by the rocking of the shaft 156. Said shaftcarries a cross-head 162 at its upper end that entends transversely ofthe truck frame, as shown in Figs. 2 and 10, one end of said cross-headbeing connected by a connecting` rod 163 with a downwardly projectingarm 164. shown in Figs. 3 and 4, that is connected to a pedal 165mounted on the front crosshea d 16 of the truck, preferably by means ofa pin 166, as shown in Fig. 2. rIhis pin is mounted between ears 167that rise from the cross-head 16 near one end thereof, as shown in 2. Aspring 168 tends to press the pedal 165 upward, and consequently toexert slight forward pull on the rod 163.

Manifestly, by depressing the pedal 165 the rod 163 will be movedrearwardly, thereby rocking the cross-head 162 in a countercloclwisedirection as viewed in F 2. This will move the arm 155 to the right asviewed in Fig. 9, thereby moving` the rod 145 in the same direction,which will move the pawls 139, 140 out of I ngagement with the ratchetwheel 124. When this occurs it leaves said ratchet wheel and the holdingrod 117 free to rotate in a direction to permit the descent of thelifting' frame.

To permit the lifting frame to descend it is, of course, necessary thatthe pawl 107 that forms a part of the lifting mechanism be ioved out ofengagement with the net-shed sector 79 at the same time that the pawls139, 140 are out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 124. To accomplishthis the crosshead 162 is connected at its opposite, or inner, end witha trip rod 169 that extends forward alongside the cylinder 119, itsforward end preferably lying between the lever 86 and the notched sector79, as shown in Fig. 2, and resting on the upper surface of the sleeve74, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6. r1`he forward end of this trip rod isadapted to engage a lug 170 at the outer end of the pawl 107 when saidtrip rod is moved forward, to move said pawl, against the tension of thespring 109, out of engagement with the teeth of the sector 79. Thisforward movement of the trip rod 169 occurs when the release rod 163 ismoved rearwardly to release the ratchet wheel 124, since said rods areconnected to opposite ends of the cross-head 162, and when the crosshead162 rocks in the opposite direction under the action of the spring 168upon the release of the pedal 165 from pressure, the pawls 139, 140 arepermitted again to engage the ratchet wheel 124, and the trip rod 169 ismoved rearwardly to permit the pawl 107 to return to operative relationto the sector 79. Thus, whenever the pedal 165 is operated to permit thedescent of the lifting fra-me the sector 79 and also the ratchet wheel124 are simultaneously released to permit reverse movement thereof.

To start the descent of the lifting frame, particularly when it carriesno load, springs 171, 172 are provided at opposite sides of the truck,said springs being mounted respectively on rods 173, 174 that arepivotally connected at their lower ends with the side members 14, 15 ofthe main frame by bolts 175, 176, as shown in F ig. 2. These rods extendupwardly and rearwardly, their rear ends passing through holes in angleplates 177, 178 secured to the inner faces of the side 1nembers 50, 51of the lifting frame and receiving the end thrust of the springs 171,172. By this arrangement, when the lifting frame is moved forward andupward, these springs are put under tension, which increases as thelifting frame rises, and, therefore, they tend to move said framedownward aga-inst the resistance offered by the dashpot check.

The operation of my improved truck is as follows Vhen the liftingl f ameis down the parts occupy the position shown in Figs. 1 and 3, exceptthat the lifting handle may or may not be upright. When it is desired toi lift a load the lifting handle is moved to its upright position sothat it is latched to the horn 35. By then pulling the handle forwardand downward the bell-crank lever 92 is caused to rock in a clockwisedirection, thereby lifting the forward ends of the lifting levers 85,86. This rocks the notched sector 79 in a counterclockwi se directionand operates the pitmen 111, 112 to thrust forward and upward on thecross-head 53 of the lifting frame so that said frame rises on the links57, 58, 63, 64 that support it on the main frame. rllhis rockingmovement of the notched sector 79, and the sleeve 74 that is integra-lwith it, draws the cylinder 119 forward, thereby rotating the holdingrod 117 and ratchet wheel v124 in a clockwise direction as viewed inFig. 8. The position of the parts when the lifting frame has been partlylifted is shown in F ig. 4. During the return or upward stroke of thesteering handle the lifting frame is held against descent by the holdingrod 117 through the nut 121 in the cylinder 119, because the rearwardmovement of said cylinder necessarily incident to down ward movement ofthe lifting frame is prevented because the holding rod 117 preventedfrom rotating in the opposite direction by-engagement of the pawls139,149 with the ratchet wheel `124.-. 'llhe lifting frame may be furtherlifted by succeeding strokes of the steering han-:lle until it reachesits maximum height, which lifting operation puts the springs 171, 172under tension, as has been described.

lVhen it is desired to lower the lifting frame, the voperator depressesthe pedal 165, thereby rocking the cross-head 162 to move the pawls 139,14,0 out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 124, and at the saine timemove the pawl 107 out of engagement with the notched sector 79. rllhispermits the lifting frame to start down under the action of the springs171, 17 2, its desc-ent being checked by the piston 122 in the cylinder119.

It will be noted that when the lifting frame is down Vthe cranks 75, 76extend downwardly and rearwardly so that the pitmen 111, 1l2 lie closeto the shaft G8, as shown Vin Fig. 1, and that as said cranks are swungto raise the lifting frame the wrist pins 77, 78 move further away fromsaid shaft, thereby decreasing their' leverage. As this Voccurs thesteering handle moves: downward into a more favorable position for theapplication of power to the lifting mechanism, with the result that thelifting effort required during thelifting operation is made practicallyuniform throughout such` operation, which is a desirable quality intrucks of this description. If it be desired to obtain greater speed fora given stroke of the steering handle in lifting the load, the link 96may be shifted from the position shown in Fig. l

to connection with the pin 103 of the lever 92.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames andy asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising .a rocking member mounted onY the main frame, alifting lever fulcrumed to swing concentrically with the axis of VsaidVrocking member and connected with said steering handle to be actuatedthereby,l pawl and ratchet mechanism operatively connecting said liftinglever and said rocking member for rocking the same tojlift the liftingframe, lifting means connecting said rocking ineinber with the forwardportion of the lifting frame, holding means interposed between saidrocking member and the rear portion of the main fram-e for normallyholding the ifting frame against descent, andrneans operable toreleasesaid holdingmeans.

2. In a lift truck, the combination withV main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising 8. In a lift truck, the combination with 'Imain and lifting Vframes and a steering handle, of means operable bysaid steering handle to lift the lifting frame comprising a transverseshaft mounted ou th-e main frame,

a ratchet member supported by said shaft to i rock coaxiallytherewithand operatively connected with the lifting frame, a vlifting leveri'ulcrumed to swing eoaXially with said ratchet member and connectedwith'said steering Vhandle to. be actuated thereby, a pawl carried 2 bysaid lifting lever and adapted to engage said ratchet member to rock thesame to lift the lifting frame, holding means interposed between saidratchet member and the rear portion of themain frame for normallyholding the lifting frame against descent, and means operable to releasesaid holding means.

d. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, Vof means operable by said steering handle tov lift thelifting frame comprising va cranlrmounted on the mainY frame, a pitnianVconnectingcsaidcrank with the lifting frame, a lifting lever fulcruinedto swing coaXially with said crank and connected with j said steeringhandle to be actuated thereby, pawl and ratchet mechanism operatively4cpo-nnectingV said lifting lever and said crank for rocking the 'sameto lift the lifting frame, and holding means connected with said liftingmeans and with the main frame for normally holding said lifting frameagainst descent.

5. In a lift truck, the `combination with,

main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means'operable bysaidsteering handle to lift the lifting frame comprising a crank mountedon the main frame, a pitman connecting said crank with the liftingframe, a lifting'lever fulcruined toswing coaiiially with said crank andconnected with said steer- `holding vmeans connected with said crank andwith the main frame for normally holding said lifting frame againstdescent..

' 6. Infra lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames anda steering hanamY -ing handle to be actuated thereby, pawl andY dle, ofmeans operable by said steering handle to lift the lifting framecomprising a downwardly and rearwardly extending crank piifotallymounted on the main frame to turn about a transverse axis, a pitmanextending forward and upward from said crank and connected with thelifting frame, a ratchet member connected with said crank, a liftinglever fulcrumed on the main frame, a pawl carried by said lever andengaging said ratchet member for actuating the same, and meansoperatively connecting said lifting lever with the steering handle.

7. 1n a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steeing handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a downwardly and rearwardly extending` crankpivotally mounted on the main frame to turn about a transverse. axis, apitman eX- tending forward and upward from said crank and connected withthe lifting L", rame, a ratchet member connected with said crank.y alifting lever fulcrumed coairially with said crank and extending forwardtherefrom, a pawl carried by said lever and engaging said ratchet memberfor actuating' the same, and means operatively connecting said liftinglever with the steering handle.

8. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a downwardly and rearwardly extending crankpivotally mounted on the main frame to turn about a transverse axis, apitman extending forward and upward from said crank and connected withthe lifting frame, a ratchet member connected with said crank, a liftinglever fulcrumed coaxiallv with said crank and extending forwardtherefrom, a pawl carried by said lever and engaging said ratchet memberfor actuating the same, and means including a vertically swinging leverfulcrumed on the main frame and connected respectively with said liftinglever and with the steering handle for actuating said lifting lever.

9. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a downwardly and rearwardly extending crankpivotally mounted on the main frame to turn about a transverse axis, apitman extending forward and upward from said crank and connected withthe lirting frame, a ratchet member connected with said crank, a liftinglever fulcrumed coaxially with said crank and extending forwardtherefrom, a pawl carried by said lever and engaging said ratchet memberfor actuating the same, and means operatively connecting said liftinglever with the steering handle, the latter means including a verticallyswinging lever fulcrumed on the main frame, a connection between saidlever and the lifting lever, and a connection between said verticallyswinging lever and the steering handle adjustable to vary the leverageof the steering handle on the latter lever.

l0. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift 'thelifting frame comprising a downwardly and rearwardly extending crankpivotally mounted on the main frame to turn about a transverse axis, apitman extending forward and upward from said crank and connected withthe lifting frame, a ratchet member connected with said crank, a liftinglever fulcrumed coaXially with said crank and extending forwardtherefrom, a pawl carried by said lever and engaging said ratchet memberfor actuating the same, and means operatively connecting said liftinglever with the steering handle, the latter means including a verticallyswinging bell crank lever fulcrumed on the main frame, means connectingone arm of said bell crank lever with the steering handle, and meansconnecting another arm of said bell crank lever with the lifting lever.

ll. ln a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames andasteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle, to lift thelifting frame comprising a crank mounted on the main frame, a pitmanconnecting said crank with the lifting frame, a lifting lever fulcrumedto swing coaxially with said crank and connected with said steeringhandle to be actuated thereby, a ratchet member connected with saidcrank, a pawl carried by said lifting lever and enga ging said ratchetmember for actuating the same by the operation of said lever in onedirection, means operable to move said pawl out of operative relation tosaid ratchet member to permit descent of the lifting frame, and meansinterposed between said crank and the rear portion of the main frame fornormally holding the lifting frame against descent.

l2. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a crank mounted on the mainv frame, a oitmanconnecting said crank with the liftin ame, a lifting lever fulcrumed toswing coaiiially with saitL crank and connected with said steeringhandle to be actuated thereby, a ratchet member connected with saidcrank, a pawl carried by said lifting lever and engaging said ratchetmember for actuating the same by the operation of said lever in onedirection, means between said lifting means and the rear portion of themain frame for normally holding the lifting frame against descent, andmeans operable to move said pawl out of operative relation to saidratchet same by the operation of said lever vin one` direction, means'connected With saidcranlr and With the main frame for normallyholdingthe lifting frame against descent, and

f means operable to move said paWl out of operative relation tov saidratchet member and to simultaneously release said holding means.

14. In a lift truck, the combination with main and'lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle tolift thelifting vframe comprising a cranlrmounted on the main frame to rockabout a transverse axis, a cross-head secured to the lifting frame, apitman `connecting said crank With said cross-head, av ratchet memberconnected With said crank, a lifting lever fulcrumed concentrically Withthe axis of said crank, a paWl carried byY said lifting lever andenga-ging said ratchet member, means operatively connecting: saidlifting lever vvith said steering handle, and means interposed betweensaid crank and the main frame vfor normally holding the lifting frameagainst descent. y

15. In a lift truck, the combination With mainand lifting `frames and asteerfng handle, of means operablefby said steering han- Vdle to lift`the lifting frame comprising spaced cranks mounted on the main frame torock about a transverse axis, pitmen connect ed With said `cranks i andvvith the lifting frame, a ratchet member located between yand connectedWith saidcranks to turn therewith, a lifting lever including spacedmembers fulf crumed'on the main frame coaxially .Withsai'd crank membersand said ratchet member, a pavvl carried by said liftinglever andengaging said ratchet member, means operatively connecting said liftinglever with the steering handle,` ,and means connected With saidcrankssand With the main frame fornormally holdinofrthe lifting frameagainst descent.

16,; n a `lift truclnthe combination with main ,and lifting frames, asteering handle, and means operable by said-handle to lift theliftingfram'e, of means 4for holding the lifting. frame against descentcomprising cooperating 'rotatable and nonrotatable members Y movable:longitudinally relatively to` each other by` rotation of said rotatablemember,

one of said members being connected With said lifting means to movetherewith longitudinally of the other member, the latter member beingconnected With the vmain frame, and paWl and Vratchet means for normallyholding said rotatable member against "rotation in a direction to permitdescent of the lifting frame, While permitting it t0 r0- tate in the.opposite direction. i

17.` In a lift truck, the combination With main and lifting frames, asteering handle, and means operable by said handle torlift the liftingframe, of means for holding the lifting frame againstdescent comprisingcooperating rotatable and nonrotatable members movable longitudinallyrelatively to cach other by rotation ofisaid rotatable member, saidnonroatable member being connected with said lifting means to be movedlongitudinally bythe actuation thereof, and said rotatable member havinga thrust bearing onl the main frame, and pawl and ratchet means on themain frame for normally holding said rotatable member against rotationin a-direction to permit descent Vof the lifting frame,vvhile permittingit to rotate in the opposite direction.

18.l In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames, asteering handle, and means operable by said handle to lift the liftingframe, of means `for normally holding the lifting frameV against descentcomprising a, rotatable screw-threaded rod mounted atone end lupon themain frame, a

`nonrotatable nut threaded on saidvrod and movable thereon to rotate,the sameby up or down movement of the lifting frame, and releasableratchet means for normallyholding said rod against rotation in adirection to permit descent of the lifting frame, While permitting it torotate in theopposite direction. Y

19.` In a lift truck, the combination With main and liftingframes, `asteering handle, and means operable by said handle to lift the liftingframe, Vof means fornormally holding the lifting frame against descentcomprising a rotatable screw threaded rod having an end thrust bearingat its rear end on the main frame, a nonrofatable nut threaded on saidrod and movable thereon to rotate the same by up or down movement of thelifting frame, and means for normally holdingfsaid rod against rotationin a direction to permit descent ofthe lifting frame, While permittingit torotate in the opposite direction.

2Q. In a lift truck, the combination with main and liftingframes and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to Vlift thelifting frame comprising a rocking member mounted on the main frame, alifting lever fulcrumed to swing concentrically Withthe axis of saidrocking-member and connected with said steering handle to be actuatedthereby, pawl and ratchet mechanism operatively connecting said liftinglever and said rocking member for rocking the same to lift the liftingframe, lifting means connecting said rocking member With the liftingframe, means for normally holding the lifting frame against descentcomprising members movable longitudinally relatively to each other bythe rocking of said rocking member in either direction, and releasableratchet means for normally holding said members against relativelongitudinal movement in a direction to permit the descent of thelifting frame.

2l. In a lift truck, the combination With main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a rockin'r member mounted on the main frame, alifting lever fulcrumed to swing concenrically With the axis of saidrocking member and connected With said steering handle to be actuatedthereby, pawl and ratchet mechanism operatively connecting said liftingle` ver and said rocking member for rocking the same to lift the liftingframe, lifting means connecting said rocking member with the liftingframe, and means for normally holding the lifting frame against descent`comprising telescopically associated members in the form of a cylinder,a screwthreaded holding rod movable longitudinally in said cylinder, anda fixed nut in said cylinder threaded on said rod, one of said membersbeing connected with said rocking member to be moved longitudinally bythe rocl'- ing thereof, and the other having a thrust bearing on themain frame, and means for normally holding said rod from rotation in onedirection with respect to said nut.

22. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting` frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a rocking member mounted on the main frame, alifting .lever fulcrumed to swing concentrically with the axis of saidrocking member and connected with said steering handle to be actuatedthereby, paWl and ratchet mechanism operatively connecting said liftingllever and said rocking member for rocking the same to lift the liftingframe, lifting means connecting said rocking member with the lifting`frame, and means for normally holding the lifting frame against descentcomprising telescopically associated members in the form of a cylinder,a screwthreaded holding rod movable longitudinally in said cylinder, anda fixed nut in said cylinder threaded on said rod, said cylinder bein gconnected with said rocking member to be moved longitudinally by therocking thereof and said rod having a thrust bearing on the main frame,and means on the main frame for normally holding said rod againstrotation in a direction to permit descent of the lifting frame.

23. ln a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a rocking member mounted on the main frame, alifting lever fulcrumed to swing concentrically With the axis of saidrocking member and connected With said steering handle to be actuatedthereby, pawl and ratchet mechanism operatively connecting said liftinglever and said rocking member for rocking the same to lift the liftingframe, lifting means connecting said rocking member With the liftingframe, means for normally holding the lifting frame against descentcomprising telescopically associated members in the form of a cylinder,a screw-threaded holding rod movable longitudinally in said cylinder,and a fixed nut in said cylinder threaded on said rod, said cylinderbeing connected With said rocking member to be moved longitudinally bythe rocking thereof and said rod having a thrust bearing on the mainframe, ratchet mechanism supported by the main frame for normallyholding` said red against rotation in a direction to permit descent ofthe lifting frame, and means operable to release said rod to permit suchrotation thereof.

Q-f. ln a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a crank mounted on the main frame, a pitmanconnecting said crank with the lifting frame, a lifting lever fulcrumedto swing coaXially with said crank and connected with said steerin rhandle to be actuated thereby, a ratchet member connected With saidcrank, a pawl carried by said lifting lever and engaging said ratchetmember for actuating the same by the operation of said lever in onedirection, means for normally holding said lifting lever against descentincluding cooperating rotatable and non-rotatable members interposedbetween said crank and the main frame, and having screw-threadedconnection with each other arranged to effect rotation of said rotatablemember by relative longitudinal movement of said members, ratchetmechanism for normally holding said rotatable member against rotation ina direction to permit descent of the lifting frame, and means operableto release the latter ratchet mechanism and to move said paWl out ofengagement with said first mentioned ratchet member, to permit descentof the lifting frame.

25. In a lift truck, the combination With main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a crank mounted on the main frame, a pitmanconnecting said crank with the lifting frame, a lifting lever fulcrumedto swing coaXially with said crank and connected with said steeringhandle to be actuated thereby, a ratchet memberl connected with saidcrank, a pawl carried by said lifting lever and engaging said ratchetmember for actuating the same by the operation of said lever in onedirection, means for normally holding said lifting lever against descentincluding a screw-threaded holding rod having end thrust bearing on themain frame, a nonrotatable nut threaded on said rod and connected withsaid crank to be moved thereby longitudinally of the truck, a ratchetwheel mounted on said rod to rotate therewith, a pawl mounted on theVmain frame andl cooperating with saidratchet wheel to normally hold saidrod against rotation in a direction to permit descent of the liftingframe, and means operable to simultaneously move the latter pawl andVsaid first mentioned pawl out of operative position to permit descent ofthe lifting frame.

Q6. In a lift truck, the combination with main and lifting frames and asteering handle, of means operable by said steering handle to lift thelifting frame comprising a crank mounted on the main frame, a pitmanconnecting said crank with the lifting frame, a lifting lever fulcrumedto swing coaxially with said crank and connected with said steeringhandle to be actuated thereby, a ratchet member connectedV with saidcrank, a pawlV carried by said lifting lever and engaging said ratchetmember for actuating the same by the operation ofsaid lever in onedirection, means for normally holding said lifting lever against descentincluding a screw-threaded holding rod having end thrust bearing on themain frame, a'non-rotatablernut threaded on said rod and connected withsaid crank to be moved thereby longitudinally of the truck, a ratchetwheel mounted on said rod to rotate therewith, a pawl mounted on'themain frame and cooperating with saidratchet Wheel to normally hold saidrod Vagainst rotation in aV direction to permit descent of the liftingframe, anti-frictionbearings for holding said rod against longitudinalmovement in either Y ing said ratchet member for actuating the same bythe operation of said lever in one direction, means for normally holdingsaid'lifting lever against descent including a screwthreaded holding rodhaving end thrust bearing on the main frame, va non-rotatable nutthreaded on said rod, a cylinder connecting said nut with said crank, apiston on said rod Y operating in said cylinder, a ratchet Wheel mountedon said rod to rotate therewith, a pawl mounted on the main frame andcooperating with said ratchet wheel to normally hold said rod againstrotation in a direction to permit descent of the lifting frame, andmeans operable to simultaneously move the latter pawl and said firstmentioned pawl out of operative position to permit descent of thelifting frame.

Y ARTHUR M. BARRETT.

27. In a lift truck, the .combination with i Y main and liftingframesand a steering handle, of means operable by said steering handleto lift the lifting frame comprising a crank mounted on the main frame,a pitman connecting said crank with the lifting frame, a lifting leverfulcrumed to swing coaXially with said crank and connected withV saidsteering handle to be actuated thereby, a ratchet member connected withsaid crank, a pawl carried by said lifting lever and engag-

